Cost of Living in Cebu

Basically it's 25k / $500 for an underfurnished studio in most buildings in the center now.

I just cann't believe the bullshit written here about Cebu and the Philippines.
I come and live here for more then 40 yrs, never lost a dime, never had any problems ( dont drink with Filippino guys).People are truelly friendly and willing to help, never even had a taxi trying to
Rip me off in Cebu.
Life is good and affordable.

#Shaun you lived in all the wrong places then

I have lived in the Philippines for12 years, it is a dump...pollution everywhere, 90% people try scam u, everything sold is from China....half of things u buy break in days....no refunds or exchanges in the Philippines... Most people here have no common sense or independent thinking, they follow the herd, they will scam or steal from u given half a chance...no infrastructure, power out all the time, water cut off or restricting water flow to a trickle... I hate this country and am finally taking my wife and 3 children abroad to live.... Schools r a joke, send all my children to private Catholic school and they get taught nothing....and I mean nothing, teachers here just pass them on.....no one in the Philippines will take responsibility for anything, this is the land of "Sorry Sir", their Way of not assuming responsibility for anything... I am a U.S.Merchant Marine and have traveled the world, lived in different countries and this is definitely the land of ignorance...

I lived in Cebu City for 15 years I returned several months ago and spent six months there Cebu City nightlife is finished they used to be great on Mango avenue it is over! The people are nasty they hate us the girls wont to look at you. I don't know what happened to these people they think their something really special now.I think this is largely because of this false nationalism that Dutare started who's a freaking ass hole. The place used to be great pretty girls everywhere not anymore they hate us!!! This place used to be a single man's Paradise so don't even waste your time. As far as living cheaply there all these so-called experts here in other places telling you how cheap it is don't believe them if you want to eat like a Filipino and live like a Filipino yes cheap place to live they will gladly steal from you bankrupt you cheat you there's a few dopey expats here that tell you that the place is great well find out for yourself just keep your wallet close by

Yeah that L.A.DAVE dude got sucked into the family traditions in the fillipines.Don't let your money run out DAVE but from the sound of things you're already screwed.

Best advice only visit Cebu for a few days then leave as I did and don't come back.

I consider myself well traveled. I've been to Thailand, England, Germany, Spain, Australia, Philippines, Guam, Canada, and multiple destinations throughout the Pacific and Atlantic. There is not a state I haven't been to in the U.S. and I've lived years on the east coast, west coast, and midwest. I know what it's like to go down to the docks in Maine and grab a lobster straight off the boat and have the restaurant cook it up. I know what's like to sip on Mai Tia's and walk Waikiki beach during sunset. I know what it's like to visit the bars in Alaska and eat bison burgers or the Florida Everglades and eat alligator tails and crawfish and Gumbo in New Orleans. Who hasn't had a Sangria in Madrid? Or some 1878 beer in Germany? Anyone who's ever been to Reykjavik knows how expensive their beer is (damn!). I love the bars in England the best, very interesting how they keep the beer cool. Love the culture and food in many places. So what does this all mean?

If you're not enjoying the Philippines, you sir... are doing it wrong. Let me tell you something you already know, there are assholes everywhere and whether you surround yourself with them is up to you. The vibes you send off are the vibes you will receive. I laugh at anyone who thinks the Philippines is expensive. Don't listen to these people. Their stories have many variations but they all come down to the same root, they got burned. Walk that shit off buddy, you'll be aight. Be a smart traveler and you'll do just fine. Read up on the places you visit, learn the culture, eat the food, live life.

I live in Chicago but have a house in the province about a half hour out of Cebu city. It is very reasonable to live in the Philippines. Its less than half of what it costs in Chicago Il USA. This is the place to retire if you have retirement income. The Filipino people are wonderful. The food is incredible. And the islands are an absolute paradise.

These prices are higher than where I live in Columbia South Carolina , examples - 1 gallon of milk here in Wal mart us 1.65 or pecos about 80 pecos (50 p = 1 dollar ) gasoline 2.58 dollars (( about 130 pecos ) based on 50 pesos = 1 US dollar

For countries with huge economic divides between the wealthy and the poor, like the Philippines, (there is no middle class) this site really needs a descriptor to show what sort of residence the data being entered is applicable to. We cannot have a comparison of Cebu cost of living vs say; Manila, when most of the cebu entries will be from foreigners living in cebu paying for foreigner sized houses, when the Manila data is probably more influenced by the local filipino consituents.
for example, people here talking abotu having 3 aircons running all day. Not everyone needs that, and an aircon is a huge user of power, so the data can be significantly skewed.

Reading about the Philippines is confusing. I’m was thinking on retiring to Asia & the visa is so easy there. Thailand would be my other choice like Ipoh a lot. Tagaytay in the Philippines l like as well plus the water and visiting other islands. I’m 63 in excellent health so being by medical is not high priority. Just looking for a nice quiet place to enjoy keeping expenses down. So many articles on how great & safe the places is and then I see many saying the opposite. I don’t read as much of a difference in the other countries & it’s amazing the difference in opinions when reading about the Philippines. I avoid the PR stuff so I’m referring to the forums & blogs to some degree. Some evenings I’m sold on the Philippines & sometimes I’m asking myself why would I. Obviously folks I know I need to spend time there before deciding anything & I’m thinking why even do that at times. So many good written articles both good & bad opinions from people in my age bracket that I take notice of. I do appreciate those so keep people like me informed. Everyone have a safe & pleasant day no matter where you are. I’ll be thankful for any positive feedback on where your living.

Cebuanos are a joke. Easily the rudest filipinos in the country. I spent time here and they absolutely hate foreigners. Be careful around them but have a good time.

currently, I am visiting in Cebu. I learned few things:
1. people are not truly friendly in this culture. fake and back stubbing you.
2. liars, liars, and liars!!! Locals have no self-respect as a professional should.

I am from NYC, and I will ensure I will educate people from the USA. be aware of liars. Can't trust people work for you, and can't trust real estate agents. All are liars. From respecting them to really look them down now.

You can not own land or a house in The Philippines . But you can own a condo .

Hi, I'm not from Cebu but I would like to practice my profession there as a licensed real estate broker. I am regulated by the PRC (professional regulation commission). So, I am licensed to broker properties with developers and private owners anywhere in the Philippines. If ever you need help figuring out what property to buy, contact me for advice and assistance. I would be able to discuss to you and assist you on what you need to know ( the pros and cons) in buying property as a foreigner. You may not know me but I can show you my license and that it is authentic, and that I am a professional duly licensed who will help you because it is my job. email me: luisdgarcia.realestate@gmail.com

Very well put, Jack Orthman. With respectful understanding of people and surroundings will take you many Smiles!

if you want to compare housing you need to tell size ... example 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment 55 sq meters ???? and most apartments come stripped